I really liked this film and am surprised I haven't seen it before. It's a very nostalgic film with great characters, a wonderful story and crisp, sharp dialog by the Master, Neil Simon. The acting is superior all around, the art direction, costuming, music score and cinematography are also topnotch. Story involves a middle class, New York Jewish family who endure hard times during World War II, as Eddie, the father's (Jack Laufer), business has to be shut down, the mother is deceased, and Eddie plans to sell scrap metal to get established again and to aid the War effort. In order to do so he arranges with his stern, no-nonsense mother to take in the boys, Jay (Brad Stoll) and Arty (Mike Damus). Their demanding grandmother (Irene Worth) is so hard core that the boys have to earn their keep via hard labor. Their fear of her is alleviated somewhat by their dizzy, but loving Aunt Bella (Mercedes Ruehl) and the arrival of their small time crook Uncle Louie (Richard Dreyfuss) who is being pursued by two inept gangsters. Director Martha Coolidge keeps the story moving along and with panache. It's too difficult to single out any of the cast for best performance as all are superb in their roles. This is one terrific film which I will eventually rate a 10 after another viewing. For a Neil Simon film it is very emotionally fulfilling and heart-warming, but it does have its comic moments too.

After a triumphant run on Broadway, the film adaptation of "Lost In Yonkers" was completely snubbed at all of the major film awards ceremonies. Neil Simon's classic is brilliantly written and the direction is so simple, yet very subtle. But what really makes the film work is the performances. Dreyfuss is no Kevin Spacey, but does what he can with the role. The two boys are played expertly by their respective actors. Irene Worth reprises her Tony-award winning role and I thank god for that. She is spectacular as the stern grandmother.But the stand-out here is Mercedes Ruehl. The woman delivers one of the most underrated performances in film history as Aunt Bella. She won a Tony, why no Oscar? Seriously, she is *that* good. Ruehl delivers such a magnificent performance as the slightly disturbed woman. She really should have two Oscars on her mantle.GRADE: A ACTING: A WRITING: A+ DIRECTING: B MVP: RUEHL

Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers is the kind of story that can only be explained in three parts: One part comedy, one part drama and one part miscellaneous. That mix is fantastic. Please see this movie; words cannot really describe it's constantly shifting plot.

Lost in Yonkers was exceptionally well done. I did have a fairly high expectation of it because Mike Damus was in it....and Richard Dreyfuss also...but I mainly borrowed this movie from the store because of Mike. This film was well acted, well directed and the soundtrack was just pure brilliance! i recommend if you do not want to watch the film, you at least listen to the soundtrack...My only complaint with this movie was that Mike played such a small and relatively insignificant role - i do realise it was based on the play by Neil Simons, but nonetheless Mike deserves better!In general, I very much enjoyed what I saw as it was not violent, didn't have any cocky humour, or bad acting. I particularly enjoyed Aunt Gertie's speech impediment because Susan Merson who played her pulled it off extremely well-another brilliant performance!My question to you is, can Mike Damus ever make a bad film? The answer is no. No he can't.